Poop: A Natural History of the Unmentionable (BCCB Blue Ribbon Nonfiction Book Award (Awards)) - Hardcover

Nicola Davies graduated with a degree in zoology before becoming a writer, producer, and presenter of radio and television programs. Her award-winning books for children include BIG BLUE WHALE, ONE TINY TURTLE, SURPRISING SHARKS, and BAT LOVES THE NIGHT. She says, "As a zoologist, you are never far from poop! I've baked goose poop in an oven with my dinner, looked at bat poop under the microscope, and had my T-shirt stained pink with blue-whale poop. I was obviously fated to write this book." Nicola Davies lives in Somerset, England.

Neal Layton has illustrated many well-received picture books, including THE SUNDAY BLUES, which he also wrote. About this project, he says, "I used pencils, paint, pens, ink, pieces of collage, photocopiers, a computer, bits of stick, an old toothbrush, dough, a cake-icing bag, and a camera to make the illustrations for POOP. I had so much fun and learned lots, too!" Neal Layton lives in Portsmouth, England.

Grade 3-5–Davies offers a discussion of why animals defecate, how feces are made and what is in them, and where they can be found. While this may be more information than an average adult cares to know on the subject, the topic is sure to attract curious youngsters. The word "unmentionable" in the subtitle is a misnomer, because the vocabulary is extensive and includes such terms as "coprophage," which is a poop eater. Some words are not listed in the short glossary or index. Clever chapter titles such as "Sloppy or Ploppy" are sure to bring a smile to many faces. The stylized, primitive pen-and-ink cartoons are digitally colored in an earth-tone palette. Childlike lettering appears atop the illustrations, in dialogue balloons, upside down, and sideways with scratched out marks. The book concludes with "Poop Facts" from the biggest to the weirdest. For nonfiction readers who have difficulty finding something of interest to read, this book is sure to catch their attention.–Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA
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